Ruben Amorim’s half-time Martin Odegaard message as Diogo Dalot moans about Arsenal result

Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot was deployed on the left side of defence as the Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by Arsenal, with the Portuguese defender lamenting the result

Diogo Dalot has revealed Manchester United’s cunning plan to nullify Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, admitting it was a strategic masterstroke from manager Ruben Amorim.

The versatile defender, who had to adapt to the left-wing-back position against the Gunners due to Patrick Dorgu’s suspension, delivered a strong performance and nearly bagged an assist for team-mate Noussair Mazraoui if not for keeper David Raya’s intervention.

Despite the opportunities at hand, the Red Devils were forced to defend stoutly after Arsenal intensified its attacks after Declan Rice’s levelling goal.

Reflecting on the hard-fought match, Dalot shared insights into the tactical setup and bemoaned not coming away from the clash with three points.

“Yes, we had a well-defined plan,” said Dalot. “From goal kicks, we pressed a bit higher to force them to play longer and win second balls. If we couldn’t press high, we dropped back a bit more and stayed compact.

“I think it would be difficult for them to break through a lower block. We defended the area well in the first half, which was very important because we had some difficulties defending, especially on the left side when Odegaard came to receive the ball.

“There were a lot of players there, and it was difficult for us to figure out how to defend it. At half-time, we corrected that and improved as well. I think the second half was much better.

“With the ball, we managed to find spaces that we hadn’t found in the first half. We were more confident obviously because we were winning 1-0. In the end, I think we could have won the match. We had slightly clearer chances than they did, but overall I think it was a good match.”

Amorim’s tactics may not have been the most thrilling, but he defended his approach, telling Sky Sports: “When you coach Manchester United, you cannot play too much like that but the idea is to win the game and not to show something just to the fans.

“I know that it’s frustrating for the fans sometimes but then when you score and you feel comfortable and then you have a lot of opportunities, the game changes, the momentum changes and they are happy. So we have to deal with that.

“Sometimes we have to do things that are not popular but if you want to win and imagine one way to win, we have to do it because in the end, we need the points.”

The Red Devils now turn their attention to the crucial second leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie against Real Sociedad on Thursday, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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